With a bunch of new faces on the varsity diamond this year, the Lady Dawgs will have to work real hard to compete in the very tough division they are in.

The team is led by sophomore, All-Conference pitcher Lauren Poplawski and seniors Kate Schamberger and Shanon McAdam. Taking over behind the plate is eighth-grader Alysha Ciaramitaro, doing a great job.

Juniors Lori Brennan, Michelle McGurk, Nicole Garrazana, Megan Carlson and Stephanie Werling will definitely bring some softball experience to the team. Sophomore Colleen Cunninghan and two-year varsity freshman Beth Hughes will be counted on a lot.

Facing a tough team from Carey HS, the Lady Dawgs went down to defeat 8-4. Some highlights of the game include ninth-grader Beth Hughes and eighth-grader Alysha Ciaramitaro combining for five of the nine hits the Bulldogs got. Lauren Poplawski, despite struggling with a bad back, struck out seven. Some great defense was provided by left fielder Colleen Cunningham, who handled all three shots hit her way.

Next up were the Gladiators from New Hyde Park. After falling behind early, the Bulldogs were able to tie it up on a three-run home run by Beth Hughes in the bottom of the third that was hit in the right centerfield gap, scoring Stephanie Werling, who led off with a single and Michelle McGurk who walked. Some back pain continued for sophomore pitcher Lauren Poplawski, so junior Lori Brennan took over on the mound and did a great job holding the Gladiators to just two hits, two runs and two walks, but it was not enough, losing 10-5. Eighth-grader Alysha Ciaramitaro again had a great game going two for four at the plate and throwing out her first runner trying to steal. Kate Schamberger, Shannon McAdam and Stephanie Werling each had two hits for the team. Nicole Carrazana had the defensive play of the game, making a spectacular catch on a foul ball down the left field line that was way over her head.

Island Trees High School has created a Girls' Lacrosse program this year. The program in the high school has a Junior Varsity team and will be competing on the Varsity level next year. The Lady Bulldogs began their season with a win against Great Neck North by the score of 11-4. Goals were scored by Kate Sopp, Samantha Modik, Shannon Lehosky and Meaghan Davis. Maggie Pepitone had five saves in the game. The Lady Bulldogs are looking forward to a successful season.